“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:16-17
Saving faith requires hearing, both in the ear and in the heart. Hearing in the ear represents physical hearing and hearing in the heart represents spiritual hearing. Hearing in the ear is essential, as it is providing GOD with something to quicken. This is why step A (Acknowledge) is so important, but this is only the beginning of the process. GOD must then quicken the knowledge in the head so that it becomes spiritual hearing, or Rhema, discussed in the passage above.
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10
Saving faith always comes from the heart and never from the head alone. That is why a preacher can teach the gospel to 10 people and only 1 of them will believe and be saved. All 10 of them heard the gospel in their head, but only 1 person had the gospel message quickened by GOD and believed. It became a personal revelation to them in the process. It is this quickening that produces the faith to receive from GOD. Our own faith is never enough.
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
Notice that it is only the truth we know that shall make us free. The knowing here is talking about relationship with GOD. It is experiential knowledge, not physical head knowledge that could come simply from reading the bible or listening to a sermon. There must be a supernatural quickening. The principle of spiritual hearing applies both to receiving at the initial time of salvation and receiving in an ongoing relationship with GOD. We receive through faith and that faith is not of ourselves; it is the gift of GOD (Ephesians 2:8-9).